Nigeria names final AFCON 2025 squad as Uzoho, Onuachu earn recall, Okoye misses out
The Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday night unveiled the Super Eagles’ 28-man roster for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the return of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and striker Paul Onuachu while leaving out Maduka Okoye, who had recently served as deputy to first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali.
The announcement, made on the federation’s verified X account, ended weeks of speculation over the final team list.
Head coach Eric Chelle selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards for the tournament, which would take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The squad combined seasoned internationals with promising newcomers as Nigeria seeks a strong showing at the continental championship.
Uzoho’s surprise return followed a period of mixed national-team performances, while Okoye’s omission comes as a shock to many fans who had expected him to feature.
Onuachu’s inclusion reflects his strong form for Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he has been scoring regularly.
Notably absent from the list are Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Meanwhile, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earned a maiden invitation after impressing for Pisa in Italy.
The full squad is listed below:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus).
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra, Croatia).
With the squad now confirmed, the Super Eagles are expected to intensify their preparations ahead of their opening match on December 21, as excitement builds for the tournament in Morocco.
